Open Source Hardware - From Fibers to Fabric#

November 23rd, 2021

Mar Canet & Varvara Guljajeva

The class explores the open source hardware field in general and focuses on its potential in the area of textile. How to update obsolete machines for producing textile? How to take advantage of digital fabrication and open source technology to come up with an open source machine for knitting, weaving and invent new techniques.

This class focuses on the importance of the techniques, tools and machines that create traditional fabrics. The lecture will give an overview on the evolution of these tools and how these impact production and manufacturing, with the focus on hacking, both machines and tools, and creating open source accessible machinery for a broader public.

Program outline#

Intro teachers
Techniques & history
Knitting
- History
- Knitting as first manufacturing home machine
Weaving
- History
Machines
- knitting machines
- Mechanical
- Electronic
- Digital / industrial
- Looms
- Mechanical
- Electronic
- Digital industrial
Open Source machines & hacking machines
- Knitic
- Circular knitic
- Open knit -> kniterate
Updating the industry with new tools, democratizing machines

Tools#

Software: CAD / CAM

Machines#

Laser cutter
Big milling machine
Electronics setup

Assignment#

Research and document existing fabrication methods, machines and industries , add references and sketches of the machine and the chosen process
Design and document the files of the machine, machine hack or tool and fabrication - assembly process
Document the schematic and the programming code (if any)
List the materials: electronics, materials amount other (references of the components)
Design, create and document a final outcome, a sample project of your process
Make a small video of the machine
Create an interface for controling your machine

How will it be evaluated#

References: tutorial , links, inspiration
Design: sketch , 3D modeling skills, Parametric modeling skills
Fabrication: Capable of executing from file to production workflow, from 3D modelling to 3D printing , parameters, materials
Documentation: Anyone can go through the process and understand
Final outcome: Is the project assembled, functioning and complete
Originality - Aesthetics: Has the design been thought through and elaborated